In summer, the torrents tumbling down towards the Val d’Arly turn into a playground. Canyoning means descending a watercourse, stringing together jumps into pools, natural slides, abseils down waterfalls and stretches of swimming. Near Megève, the routes run from a refreshing family outing to a more committing adventure, always led by a qualified instructor.
The formats
- Discovery canyon, family: a gentle route with small optional jumps and slides, open to children (often from age 6 depending on the canyon). Ideal for a first time and to cool off on a hot day.
- Sporty canyon: more drop, bigger jumps, longer abseils. For those after adrenaline and a bit of physical commitment.
How it works
The instructor provides the wetsuit, helmet and harness, and sets the pace for the group. No jump is compulsory: you can always bypass the most impressive sections. The descent mixes walking, swimming, sliding and abseiling, in clear, cool water, in the heart of a landscape you can only see from there.
Booking
From the family canyon from age 6 to the sporty descent, here is our selection with our partner.
Good to know
Do you need to swim? Being comfortable in water is enough for the discovery routes. Sporty canyons call for confident swimming.
Minimum age. Varies by canyon, often 6 to 8 for family routes. Check when booking.
Season. From late June to September, when flow and water temperature are at their best.
What to bring. A swimsuit under the wetsuit, sports shoes that can get wet, a towel and a change of clothes. The rest is provided.
See also in Megève
Stay in the whitewater with the nearby torrents, or dry off on the trails on a hike. Back to the destination: Megève.